Bert Jansch Dies at 67

Bert Jansch, undeniably one of folk music's biggest legends, has died. According to reports, Jansch passed away earlier today (October 5) following a battle with cancer. The guitarist and singer-songwriter was 67.

Jansch played an instrumental role in the UK's mid-'60s folk revival when he formed Pentangle. Aside from that group's career, he was an active solo artist, releasing 23 records under his own name. His most recent was 2006's stellar The Black Swan, which was released by Drag City and featured guest spots from Devendra Banhart and Beth Orton. In support of the critically lauded album, Jansch made a rare North American tour, which included dates in Canada as well (read a review of one of those stops here).

Jansch's lung tumour was discovered in June of 2009 during a routine visit to the dentist. After treatment and time off the road, Jansch joined Neil Young for his "Twisted Road" North American tour in 2010.

The British icon passed away at a hospice in North London.

Though he may not be with us any more, Jansch left a legacy that has inspired numerous guitarists of all kinds. The Guardian points to a quote from Johnny Marr, who said, "He completely reinvented guitar playing and set a standard that is still unequalled today... without Bert Jansch, rock music as it developed in the '60s and '70s would have been very different."